Robert Bell Obituary

From the Journal Express, Knoxville and the Chariton Leader

Robert Franklin Bell, the son of Ramon Bell and Myrtle Hall, was born Aug. 22, 1917, in Newton.  He graduated from Newton Senior High with the class of 1934.

Bob was united in marriage with Betty Sparks.  She would precede him in death.  Bob married Virginia Mateer on Nov. 4, 1954.  Bob enjoyed working the land and was a farmer ahead of his time.  He had served on the Jasper County Soil and Conservation Board, the Jasper County Extension Council and the Lucas County board of Health.  Bob was an outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, mushroom hunting, dancing, and old time country music festivals.

Bob died on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011, at the West Ridge Nursing and Rehab Center in Knoxville.  He was 93 years old.  Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Betty.

Those left to honor Bob’s memory include his wife of over 56 years, Virginia of Knoxville, Iowa; his sons, Ernest (Betty) Bell of Newton and J. Douglas (Jaci) Bell of Reasnor; his daughter, Barbara McClelland of Knoxville; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; three step-grandchildren and five step-great grandchildren; his sister, Dorice McEvoy of Yankton, S.D., and his brother, Ramon Bell of Joplin, Mo.

Services were held Monday, Aug. 8, at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton.  Memorials may be designated in Bob’s name to the HCI Care Services and may be left at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home.

On-line condolences may be left at www.pencefh.com